Postgraduate Certificate in Education - PGCE - Primary

This outstanding course, as confirmed by students, schools and Ofsted (2008 and again in 2010), has been designed in partnership with local primary schools to meet the requirements for Postgraduate Teacher Education.

We are still open for the Primary Maths specialist pathway – GTTR course code X00G, for September 2013 entry.
The PGCE Primary Early Years (3-7) course code X124 and the Later Years (5-11) course code X104 are now closed for September 2013 entry.
This course is only offered as a full-time option.

Our recent outstanding Ofsted report recognised ‘the strength of the partnerships with schools and colleges’. It will prepare you to teach across the primary age range and in all National Curriculum subjects. You will be equipped to meet the Professional Standards for the Award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) upon successful completion of the course. Before commencing, you will decide whether you wish to focus on teaching Early Years (pupils 3 to 7 years old), or Early/Later Years (pupils 5 to 11 years old) or the Maths specialist pathway within the PGCE programme.

This course includes a significant Professional Pedagogy and Management element which covers the role of the professional teacher, the child as learner and wider issues associated with school and society. You will develop an advanced understanding of child development and classroom relationships, as well as the skills in classroom organisation, behaviour management, assessment, recording and reporting that are essential to effective teaching. Ofsted 2010 recognised ‘trainees' ability to critically reflect and improve their practice’.

Core subject modules will prepare you to teach English, Mathematics and Science in Key Stages One and Two, and, especially in the case of Advanced Early Years students, in nursery and reception classes. Foundation subjects and Religious Education are also covered.

School experience is a substantial and integral part of the course from the first term, through both serial and block practice, with further experience in Terms Two and Three. In total, of the 38 weeks of the course, 24 will be spent in schools. There are opportunities to undertake placements in a SEN school.

Inclusive Education
Throughout the course there is an emphasis on inclusive education, with particular reference to managing behaviour and special needs (SEND). You will also have the opportunity to further your knowledge, understanding and skills in an area of primary education through a Masters level extended study from a chosen option range of curriculum areas.

Extended subjects offered include all the National Curriculum subjects as well as Languages, ICT, RE, Special Educational Needs and Disability, Advanced Early Years and Outdoor Learning. Candidates apply for the course selecting which of these they would like to develop as their Extended Subjects, based on their qualifications and/or experience. From time to time there are opportunities for other specialised placements in schools. You will have the opportunity to spend time as part of your 24 weeks researching your primary subject specialist area.

You will be involved in assessing your teaching skills and competence as they develop through the use of a Professional Development Profile to which teachers and tutors will also contribute.

At the end of the course you will be advised about your first year in teaching through the Career Entry and Development Profile, as part of your Continuing Professional Development.

Masters Credits
All students register for 60 credits at Masters level and thereby achieve the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

All programmes subject to TA or CWDC funding or requirements are subject to government changes.

Factfile
Employability
Course content
Student views
Skills test

Finance

Course Fees 2013-2014 - £9,000

Term Dates 2013/2014

Term 1: 2/9/13 – 13/12/13
Term 2: 6/1/14 – 11/4/14
Term 3: 28/4/14 – 4/7/14

Financial incentives for those who train in 2013/14

Training bursary 2013/14	ITT subject/phase
Training bursary 2013/14	Physics, chemistry, maths	Modern languages	Primary maths specialist	Other priority secondary and primary
Trainee with first	£20,000	£20,000	£11,000	£9,000
2:1	£15,000	£15,000	£6,000	£4,000
2:2	£12,000	£12,000	£0	£0
Free school meals (FSM) premium	25% premium paid on the above bursaries/scholarships to School Direct trainees whose training is based in a school where more than 35% of pupils are eligible for free school meals

Entry requirements

Prior to entry, students must have as a minimum an honours degree (2:2) or equivalent

Grade C in GCSE or equivalent in English, Mathematics and Science. These GCSE (or equivalent) qualifications should have been obtained at the time of application

Successful completion of the Teaching Agencies Professional Skills test for English and Maths.

You will need to have evidence of some recent work experience in a primary school or nursery setting before applying for the course, ideally 5-10 days’ practice in a primary, Foundation or Nursery setting (within the last year)

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed

The TA requires all Trainee Teachers to satisfactorily complete a medical questionnaire to demonstrate their fitness to teach, to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced disclosure and to register with the General Teaching Council for England

If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the Admissions Office for advice

Applications for full-time PGCE Primary should be made via the GTTR

Study options

The PGCE Primary course is based on modules in school, and taught sessions in University.

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Derval Carey-Jenkins
01905 857539
d.carey-jenkins@worc.ac.uk

Employability

There is a high employment rate for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) from the course. Upon successful completion of the PGCE course, you take with you a Career Entry and Development Profile (CEDP) to start the process of your continuing professional development as a teacher. Ofsted 2010 recognised the ‘highly effective personalisation of training linked closely with strong pastoral support that results in the majority of trainees making outstanding progress.’

Modules

Modules within this course are linked to those of the National Curriculum for England and Wales. You will also undertake modules on pedagogy and management.

Much of your timetable will be spent in schools working alongside your experienced mentor.

Assessment

You will be involved in assessing your teaching skills and competence as they develop through the use of a Professional Development Profile to which students, teachers and tutors contribute.

At the end of your course you will be advised about your first year in teaching through the Career Entry and Development Profile, as part of your Continuing Professional Development.

Faye Rogerson

Hometown: Pershore

"I studied Early Childhood Studies at the University of Worcester and already had a good job as a nursery nurse, but I wanted to teach children aged 3-7. The PGCE course was great, my favourite module was PE. I am not at all a sporty person, but the module was so much fun and it gave me confidence to teach sports to children."

Academic department

Institute of Education

“Our high quality programmes and innovative teaching methods prepare and train the very best professionals. Worcester graduates have made a huge difference in the fied of education.”
Professor Chris Robertson, Head of Institute

Skills test

If you are thinking of applying for a teacher training course which starts after 1 July 2013, you will need to take the numeracy and literacy skills tests as part of the application process, and ensure you have passed them both before the start of the course.

The first attempt at taking your skills tests in each subject is provided free of charge. You can book up to two resits if required, but you will be expected to pay for these yourself. The charge is £19.25 per test. The pass mark for the tests is 63%. Please note that after your third attempt you cannot take for 24 months. Once you have passed the skills tests they are valid for two years.

You can book your tests up to three months in advance for a date by which you are expecting to have submitted an application. When you take the tests you will need to provide proof that you have applied for a teacher training course. We will only interview people who can provide proof that they have booked the skills tests. If you attend interview before passing the tests you will be given a conditional offer. You will have two months after your interview date to take and pass the tests. We do however advise that you try and take before your interview date or as soon after your interview as possible as this will be enable us to make a firm offer.

We strongly advise that you book and take your tests as soon as possible and make sure you do the on line practice tests before you take the tests.

The tests are held at a Pearson Professional Test Centre (which also delivers Driving Theory tests, so you may be familiar with them already).

For more information see http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/apply-for-teacher-training/skills-tests.aspx?keywords=skills+tests